So, I do like these two. But as a serious pairing that replaces Yusuke/Keiko, I cannot justify it. 

Story wise, A romance between 2 members of the team wouldn’t necessarily be bad. I could even see beginnings of it in the Dark Tournament. However, Keiko’s role would have to change or she’d have to be removed from the show. Having an innocent girl waiting for Yusuke while he sets the move on a teammate would make us dislike our protagonist. In other words, this pairing would be disruptive to the narrative.

In terms of personal needs, Kurama’s careful balance of demon/human parts of himself could mirror Yusuke’s very well. However, I don’t think a romance is necessary for this bond to be explored. 

Yusuke could inject a little of fun into Kurama’s life, and Kurama could help Yusuke become more serious. 

Now, when it comes to my own personal headcanon… I am still quite invested in the OT3 😉 Yusuke turning to Kurama (and possibly Hiei, too) for help with certain demonic… issues, would be a cool plot point for the poly-inclined among us. And as long as Keiko wasn’t treated as dirt and was in on it, it’d be interesting. It would leave Kuwabara out of yet another thing the 3 share, though, so there is also that to consider.

– Mod Lola